But You Didn't See Me

This was written by the niece of a great friend of mine who passed away last year from a motorcycle accident. I wasn't sure if she wanted me to say her name or not...although, I am sure most of you know who I am speaking of. She emailed me and told me when she wrote this she was angry....and I understand that. However, some people still view bikers in a negative way just as the following depicts. It has happened to me in a Tom Thumb when I was wearing my leathers...so I do speak from experience.

Sporty, this is for you....we love you and miss you!

I saw you,

hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.

But you didn't see me,

put an extras $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you,

pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.

But, you didn't see me,

playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you,

change your mind about going into the restaurant.

But, you didn't see me,

attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you,

roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.

But, you didn't see me,

driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you,

frown at me when I smiled at your children.

But, you didn't see me,

when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you,

stare at my long hair.

But, you didn't see me,

and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you,

roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.

But, you didn't see me,

and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you,

look in fright at my tattoos.

But, you didn't see me,

cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you,

change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.

But, you didn't see me,

going home to be with my family.

I saw you,

complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.

But, you didn't see me,

when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you,

yelling at your kids in the car.

But, you didn't see me,

pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you,

reading he newspaper or map as you drove down the road.

But, you didn't see me,

squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you,

race down the road in the rain.

But, you didn't see me,

get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you,

run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.

But, you didn't see me,

trying to turn right.

I saw you,

cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.

But, you didn't see me,

leave the road.

I saw you,

waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.

But, you didn't see me,

I wasn't there.

I saw you,

go home to family.

But, you didn't see me,

Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker....

A person with friends and family....

But, you didn't see me.

Fed UP!!!!!!!

I am fed up with the fact that people think all bikers are criminals. I've raised two kids, have a beautiful wife, a great job and I have become a pillar of my community. Just because I choose to wear black leather, earrings, and a doo rag, I'm a bad guy. SOOOOOO wrong!!!! How is it that just because I want to express my freedom and get closer to God in my own way, I am a bad guy? If people would realize that the modern day biker is out to help, not hurt, our community then, and only then, would they understand me, my brothers and my sisters. Before you pass judgement take a minute to realize that today's biker maybe your doctor, your lawyer, law enforcement, a judge, a teacher, and all those who protect and have offered to give our own lives to make this country a better place. Don't judge us by what we do or how we look. As a matter of face, don't judge us at all! Take a minute and talk to us and find out who we really are. And then your perception of what we do, how we live, and how we express ourselves may become more clear. Remember, most of us have served our country, our community and our family. We are not here to hurt, we are here to help. So just as you would support anyone else who is trying to strengthen our community, give us a wave 'cause we are working for you, NOT against you.

May God bless and keep.....
Raw Dawg